Paul Jackson Mills, 79

     Paul Jackson Mills, of Milford, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026 at the Delaware Hospice Center, surrounded by his loving family.
     Paul was born in Milford, the son of the late Eugene and Fannie Mae (Jackson) Mills. Paul grew up on the family farm in Cedar Neck. He was a graduate of Milford High School, class of 1965. Paul began his career at ACME Market working as produce manager in Milford as well as Harrington. In 1973, Paul along with his brother Eugene opened Mills Brothers Convenience Stores (Chicken Man) and eventually incorporated 3 stores throughout the Milford area. They owned and operated the stores until they were sold in 2017.
     Paul was all about family, friends and was a huge supporter and participant in the community, especially Milford scholastic sports and local town activities. He was a member of the Milford Elks Lodge # 2401. Paul coached Milford Little League baseball, coached Milford Middle School wrestling, refereed Milford High School wrestling and refereed Delaware high school wrestling matches throughout the state for 18 years. Paul was also involved in Milford Pop Warner for years and was instrumental in the construction of the team’s equipment room and board meeting room. Paul was on the “Chain Gang” for Milford “Bucs” High School Football games. He and his friend Roy Rigby also started the Milford Little Buc’s wrestling program, which continues on today. He was a fan of all Philadelphia teams but was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan. One of Paul’s proudest moments in school sports was when he became a member of the Milford High School Gridiron Club and was inducted into the Milford High School Sports Hall of Fame.
     When Paul was not participating in local sporting events and activities, he was an avid dirt track racing fan. His passion was so strong that he became part owner along with other local business leaders of Blue Hen Racing, which he owned for many years. He was also an established race car driver. He had a garage full of classic cars, which he enjoyed collecting and driving.
     Most important to Paul was his family. It was truly evident that he loved his wife, daughter, son, grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally, for they came first and foremost, and were his whole world. He also loved his many nieces and nephews as well as his beloved French bulldog “Macey Mae”.
     The family would like to thank all of his family and friends who came to visit Paul during his illness. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his sister, Susann Mills and his stepfather, Howard E. Wilkins.
     He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Barbara (McGaughey) Mills, daughter Julie Darling and her husband Jay; son Judd Mills and his wife Jeannette; grandchildren Jace Darling and Adam Darling and his wife Katherine; great grandchildren Ella Darling and Wade Darling; brother Eugene Mills and his wife Etta; sister Fay Marvel and her husband Bill; many nieces and nephews; as well as his beloved French bulldog and companion Macey Mae.
     A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held from 2:30 to 6:30 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at the Milford Elks Lodge, 18951 Elks Lodge Road, Milford. The family requests that everyone come dressed casually.
     In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to either the Bayhealth Sussex Campus Cancer Center, 100 Wellness Way, Milford, DE 19963 or to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
     Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.